Shrubby Cinquefoil

Shrubby Cinquefoil (Dasiphora fructicosa)

Long-Blooming Hardy Flowering Shrub for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 2–7)

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Quick Expert Summary

The Shrubby Cinquefoil (Dasiphora fructicosa) is a moderate-growing, extremely cold-hardy shrub ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 2–7). It typically grows 0.5–1 ft per year (15–30 cm) and reaches 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m) at maturity. Best for foundation plantings, low hedges, and mass plantings, it offers long-lasting yellow flowers and exceptional adaptability to a wide range of soils and urban conditions.

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Why Choose Shrubby Cinquefoil for Ontario and Eastern Canada?

A tough, ultra-hardy flowering shrub that delivers reliable colour all season long with minimal care.

• Hardiness: Zone 2 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7)
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Best For: Small yards, ornament, low hedges
• Maintenance: Low once established
• Key Feature: Long-lasting summer-to-fall flowers
• Native / Non-native: Native to northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America

It adapts well to:

• Sandy soils
• Clay soils
• Acidic to alkaline, well-drained soils with moderate moisture
• Urban and roadside conditions
• Wind, drought, and compacted soils

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Tree/Shrub Specifications

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Is Shrubby Cinquefoil Right for Your Yard?

Choose Shrubby Cinquefoil if:

• You want continuous blooms from June to October
• You have a small to medium yard
• You live in Zone 2–7
• You want bright seasonal colour with low maintenance
• You need a shrub for borders, hedges, or foundation planting

Not ideal if:

• Your yard is very small with no room for spread
• You need a tall privacy screen
• You are planting too close to walkways or tight spaces

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Best Uses

• Foundation planting
• Low hedges and borders
• Mass planting
• Rock gardens and slopes
• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Why it works:
Its dense, bushy habit creates structure while its long blooming period provides continuous colour. It thrives in difficult soils and urban environments where many flowering shrubs fail.

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What Makes Shrubby Cinquefoil Special?

A dependable flowering shrub that provides months of colour in even the toughest conditions.

• Spring: Silvery-green new foliage emerges
• Summer: Bright yellow flowers bloom continuously
• Fall: Flowers persist late into the season
• Winter: Fine branching adds subtle structure to the landscape

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Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada

Yes, Shrubby Cinquefoil is hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7 and tolerates extreme cold, snow load, and exposed conditions.

First-year tip:

• Add 2–3 inches of mulch
• Water deeply before the first hard frost
• Provide light wind protection in exposed areas

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Planting Guide for Ontario and Eastern Canada

Best planting time:

• Spring (April–June)
• Early fall (September–October)

Spacing:

• 3–4 ft from foundations
• 3–4 ft between plants

Watering (first year):

• Water deeply once per week for the first growing season
• Adjust based on rainfall and soil drainage

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Quick Answers (FAQ)

How fast does Shrubby Cinquefoil grow in Ontario?
Typically 0.5–1 ft per year in good conditions.

Is it cold hardy in Ontario?
Yes. It is hardy to Zone 2 and performs well in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7.

Does it need another tree for pollination?
No—self-sufficient flowering shrub.

Are the roots invasive?
No, shallow and non-invasive. Plant 3–4 ft from structures.

Is it messy?
Low—minimal leaf drop and no significant fruit litter.

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Compare With Similar Trees/Shrubs

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Shipping Across Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces

• Nursery-grown
• Carefully packaged
• Shipped to your door in Ontario and Eastern Canada
• Healthy root system guarantee

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Explore Related Collections

• Deciduous Shrubs
• Hardiness Zone 2 Plants

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• Why, how and when to prune deciduous shrubs in Eastern Canada
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• Best Flowering Shrubs for Cold Climates
• How to Design a Low-Maintenance Garden